Episode Title: Fascism in Pre War America
Host: Dan Snow
Guest: Mayte Gomez Rejon
Release Date: December 6, 2024
Book Reference: An American Fight Against Fascism by Rachel Maddow

Introduction

In the Fascism in Pre War America episode of Dan Snow's History Hit, historian Dan Snow delves into a lesser-known yet pivotal chapter of American history: the clandestine efforts by fascist ideologies and foreign agents to destabilize American democracy on the eve of World War II. Featuring insights from Mayte Gomez Rejon, the conversation unpacks the intricate web of propaganda, political corruption, and grassroots movements that threatened the very foundations of the United States.

The Rise of Fascist Influence in America

Dan Snow sets the stage by highlighting the direct intervention of foreign dictators, particularly Hitler, in American politics during the 1930s and 1940s. He emphasizes how Hitler's agents strategically channeled funds to American influencers to propagate racist ideologies, aiming to sow discord and weaken democratic institutions.

Dan Snow [02:02]: "A foreign dictator intent on conquering swathes of Eastern Europe is intervening directly in American politics."

Key Figures and Propaganda Efforts

Mayte Gomez Rejon elaborates on the multifaceted propaganda campaigns orchestrated by Nazi agents within the United States. One prominent figure was Charles Coughlin, a radio priest whose broadcasts reached 20 to 30 million Americans weekly. Coughlin openly advocated for fascism, even organizing his listeners into paramilitary cells with the intent to violently overthrow the U.S. government.

Mayte Gomez Rejon [08:04]: "Charles Coughlin... was overtly pro fascist in his ideology. He said, 'I take the road of fascism,' and organized listeners into paramilitary cells."

Another significant contributor was Anne Morrow Lindbergh, Charles Lindbergh's wife, whose 1940 bestseller promoted fascist ideals, arguing that fascism represented the future of American governance. Her influence was so profound that even renowned figures like Charles Lindbergh became spokespersons for these dangerous ideologies.

Mayte Gomez Rejon [06:08]: "Anne Morrow Lindbergh wrote a book in 1940 which was all about how fascism was the future and fascism was going to be the glorious next chapter in American governance."

The Mechanisms of Influence: Media and Propaganda

The episode delves into the sophisticated foreign propaganda operations employed by Nazi Germany to flood the American public with pro-Nazi, antisemitic, and divisive content. One of the most insidious methods involved leveraging the franking privilege, which allows members of Congress to send mail to constituents free of postage. Nazi agents exploited this privilege, disseminating millions of propaganda pieces with subtle kickbacks provided to congressional members for their cooperation.

Mayte Gomez Rejon [11:07]: "He figured out that you could use [franking privileges] to bulk mail literally millions of pieces of German produced propaganda... under the free postage privileges of members of Congress."

Antisemitism and Scapegoating: Fueling Division

Antisemitism emerged as a cornerstone of the fascist agenda, serving as a powerful tool for creating scapegoats and fostering societal division. Rejon explains how conspiracy theories were propagated, portraying Jews and other minorities as clandestine elites undermining American society.

Mayte Gomez Rejon [19:17]: "The foremost myth of those is antisemitism."

This pattern of scapegoating is not just a relic of the past but continues to resonate in contemporary political discourse, manifesting in modern movements that label dissenting views as "degenerate" or "woke."

The Great Sedition Trial of 1944

A pivotal moment in this dark chapter was the Great Sedition Trial of 1944, where approximately 30 individuals were prosecuted for sedition. The trial was marred by delays, culminating in the death of the presiding judge due to the immense stress of overseeing such a contentious case. Consequently, the Justice Department opted to declare a mistrial, abandoning the proceedings entirely.

Mayte Gomez Rejon [30:27]: "It was seven months into it... the judge in the case died, appears to have died from the stress... The Justice Department then decided they didn't wanna bother, it was too hard to prosecute."

Despite uncovering substantial evidence of congressional corruption and Nazi collaboration, the prosecution failed to secure convictions against the implicated members of Congress. This failure not only allowed these individuals to evade justice but also set a troubling precedent for future political misconduct.

Heroes Who Fought Fascism

Amidst the chaos and propaganda, several unsung heroes emerged, safeguarding American democracy. Leon Lewis, a World War I veteran and lawyer from Los Angeles, led a decade-long covert operation to infiltrate and dismantle pro-Nazi groups. His efforts, though fraught with danger and personal sacrifice, provided critical intelligence that, albeit belatedly, informed the Justice Department's actions against foreign agents.

Mayte Gomez Rejon [26:05]: "Leon Lewis... ran a decade long, incredibly intrepid personal spying operation based in Southern California... he was just an incredibly, incredibly important one man band."

Additionally, figures like Henry Hoke, a direct mail advertising expert, played instrumental roles in exposing the scale of Nazi propaganda efforts in America. Frances Sweeney, a courageous woman from Boston, took significant risks to infiltrate and reveal the violent activities of the Christian Front, an explicitly pro-Nazi militia.

Mayte Gomez Rejon [35:00]: "Henry Hoke... He was... just an incredibly, incredibly important one man band... Frances Sweeney... infiltrate them, expose them and fight them."

The Aftermath and Legacy

The collapse of the Great Sedition Trial had profound implications for American politics. By failing to hold corrupt congress members accountable, the trial inadvertently provided a loophole for future foreign influence operations. This negligence fostered a permissive environment where politicians could engage in ethically dubious activities without fear of prosecution, a legacy that continues to influence contemporary political landscapes.

Mayte Gomez Rejon [34:44]: "When you don't punish treasonous behavior... it becomes a de facto permission structure to do it again."

Lessons for Today

Rejon emphasizes the importance of remembering and studying this period to draw lessons for today's challenges to democratic governance. By highlighting the bravery of ordinary citizens who stood against fascism, the episode underscores the enduring relevance of civic activism and the need for vigilance against similar threats in the present day.

Mayte Gomez Rejon [34:48]: "We need the stories of regular people... finding important, effective ways to be antifascist."

Conclusion

Fascism in Pre War America serves as a compelling reminder of the fragility of democracy and the constant vigilance required to preserve it. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Dan Snow and Mayte Gomez Rejon shed light on a critical yet often overlooked period in American history, honoring the heroes who fought to maintain the nation's democratic ideals against formidable odds.

For further reading, listeners are encouraged to explore Rachel Maddow's book, An American Fight Against Fascism, which delves deeper into these events and the individuals who shaped the course of American democracy during a tumultuous era.

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Snow [02:02]: "A foreign dictator intent on conquering swathes of Eastern Europe is intervening directly in American politics."

• Mayte Gomez Rejon [08:04]: "Charles Coughlin... was overtly pro fascist in his ideology. He said, 'I take the road of fascism,' and organized listeners into paramilitary cells."

• Mayte Gomez Rejon [11:07]: "He [Nazi agent George Sylvester Vierick] figured out that you could use [franking privileges] to bulk mail literally millions of pieces of German produced propaganda."

• Mayte Gomez Rejon [19:17]: "The foremost myth of those is antisemitism."

• Mayte Gomez Rejon [30:27]: "It was seven months into it... the judge in the case died, appears to have died from the stress."

• Mayte Gomez Rejon [34:44]: "When you don't punish treasonous behavior... it becomes a de facto permission structure to do it again."

Note: This episode is an insightful exploration of the historical efforts to undermine American democracy, drawing parallels to contemporary issues and emphasizing the timeless importance of safeguarding democratic values.